Highlights Include

The Trident Hotel, which offers stunning views of the Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal

City Palace and museum, which lies in the heart of Jaipur city

Jantar Mantar, a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built between 1727 and 1734

Enjoy the view from the open deck of MV Mahabaahu and scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins

Welcome Dinner

A tea estate for a relaxed afternoon and a traditional Assamese lunch - Sibsagar

Enjoy a talk on ‘Majuli

Witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting

Chef’s Cooking Demonstration followed by a talk on ‘Tea, Silk and Jute in Assam’

An interesting talk on ‘Kaziranga and the wildlife in India'

See the process of producing Assam Tea and ‘all that goes into preparing a cup-of-tea

Kaziranga National Park

Visit a village and gain an insight on village life - Peacock Island

Farewell dinner

Includes

Return economy-class air travel from Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne
to Delhi and return from Kolkata

5-star hotel accommodation including daily breakfast

Accommodation on the MV Mahabaahu including all meals in
the selected cabin category

Specialist local guides/entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary

All airport, hotel and ship transfers as listed in the brochure

All excursions/lectures/performances and activities as per the itinerary

Transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles except in Kaziranga
and Mujuli Island

Escorted by a local tour manager

1 glass of domestic wine/beer with Farewell and Welcome dinners

Lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary

Economy-class flights from Delhi/Jorhat and Guwahati/Kolkata

Air taxes and cruise charges and taxes

Ship gratuities

Ship gratuities

Optional Post-cruise tour

Kerala Backwater Cruise

8 – 21 December, 2019

From mist- covered mountains to golden sandy beaches and sprawling
tea gardens, God’s Own Country, Kerala has it all. This southern state of
India is famous for the soothing whispers of the beaches, the tranquillity
of the backwaters and ethereal charm of the lush green tea gardens and
scenic beauty which attracts a lot of tourists every year.

MV Mahabaahu

The Mahabaahu is a comfortable ship carrying just 46 passengers
looked after by 30 dedicated crew and is perfectly suited to the
unique voyage she undertakes on the fastest flowing waterway in the
world. The chefs create local and continental menu’s using locally
sourced ingredients. Dining is open seating so you can sit where
and with whom you want. Evening entertainment is low key and the
atmosphere everywhere on board is friendly and informal. All cabins
have satellite TV, personal safe, mini bar, in house telephone, en-suite
bathrooms and air conditioning. Evening entertainment is low key
and the atmosphere everywhere on board is friendly and informal.

Day 1 Monday, November 25, 2019 Arrive Delhi
Today we depart Australia for Delhi. After clearing customs, we will be met by our
representative and transferred to our hotel. The Grand New Delhi, nestled in the
heart of Delhi’s National Capital Region, is the city’s most distinguished luxury
hotel.

Day 2 Tuesday, November 26, 2019 Delhi
Today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of magnificent Delhi. The city beautifully
encloses magnificent landmarks and monuments that narrate the story of their
glorious past. Delhi is known to have been continuously inhabited since 6th
century BC. We start in Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in
India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Later, drive past the
Red Fort to visit the Chandani Chowk on our cycle rickshaw ride. The main street
of ‘Old’ Delhi is a magnificent bazaar and as fine a monument to congestion,
colour and chaos as you’ll find in India today. Also visit, Rajghat – a memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi. We also visit New Delhi and drive pass the Iconic India Gate, a
42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World
War, the India Gate is also known as ‘Bharat Gate’. Situated in the heart of New
Delhi, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it is the national monument of India. Later,
visit Qutub Minar, Delhi’s most striking monument and Humayun’s Tomb both
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 3 Wednesday, November 27, 2019 Delhi – Agra
Today we drive south to the historic city of Agra which reached the height of its
magnificence between the mid 16th and mid-17th century. The golden age of
the city began with the Mughals and Akbar made it the centre of art, culture,
commerce and learning. During the peaceful reign of Shah Jahan, his passion for
architecture came to the fore and the world-famous architectural masterpieces
were constructed including the Taj Mahal. Later in the evening we visit Mehtab
Bagh, translating to mean ‘Moonlight Garden’, the gardens surrounding the Taj
Mahal are perfectly aligned with Mehtab Bagh.

Day 4 Thursday, November 28, 2019 Agra – Jaipur
Today we visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, truly a sight to behold and described as the
most extravagant monument built for love. It was built by Shah Jahan in memory
of Mumtaz Mahal his third and favourite wife. En route to Jaipur visit Fatehpur Sikri,
built in red sandstone, during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor
Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for
only some 10 years. Fatehpur Sikri’s history is rich and nostalgic, with the empty
walls of the imperial town echoing a past that could not sustain a future. Continue
to Jaipur the largest city of Rajasthan is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy.
This city was established in 1727, and is India’s first planned city. It is also known
as the ‘Pink City’. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture. With
splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful Havelis;
other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and
spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life add colour to this Pink
City’s uniqueness. We check in to the Trident Hotel, which offers stunning views
of the Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal. The evening is free to relax.

Day 5 Friday, November 29, 2019 Jaipur
This morning we visit Amer Fort, en route we have a photo stop at Hawa Mahal.
Built of red and pink sandstone, its unique five-storey exterior is akin to the
honeycomb of a beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas that are
decorated with intricate latticework. This afternoon we visit the City Palace
and museum, which lies in the heart of Jaipur city. This is a sprawling complex,
with a vast array of courtyards, gardens, gorgeous buildings and a marvellous
collection of art and artefacts, textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts
and paintings and is without parallel in Rajasthan. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar,
a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built between 1727 and
1734. The observatory consists of 14 major geometric devices for measuring time,
predicting eclipses, tracking stars’ location as the earth orbits around the sun,
ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes.
An excursion through the Jantar Mantar is a unique experience.

Day 6 Saturday, November 30, 2019 Jaipur – Delhi
A free morning, after a late check out we drive to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi we
check in to our hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 7 Sunday, December 1, 2019 Delhi – Jorhat
– Board MV Mahabaahu Cruise
We transfer to Delhi airport and board our flight to Jorhat in the state of Assam.
On arrival at Jorhat airport we take a short drive to Neamati Ghat and board the
MV Mahabaahu our home for the next 7 nights. Enjoy the view from the open
deck and scan the river for a fleeting sight of the Gangetic Dolphins. This evening
the MV Mahabaahu drops anchor and we enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 8 Monday, December 2, 2019 Sibsagar
After an early breakfast, proceed for a day-excursion to Sibsagar, the ancient
city and capital of the Tai-speaking Ahoms, who came in the 13th Century AD
to the area from the north-east and were essentially of Tibeto-Burman origin.
Sibsagar town literally means ‘the ocean of Lord Shiva’ as it is built around a huge
man-made water tank ordered by the Ahom Queen. The Shiva Dol, constructed
in the year 1734 is believed to be the highest Shiva temple in India. Later, visit
Rang Ghar, which was a place for hosting wrestling bouts and buffalo fights and
other entertainment or important meetings of the Royals and their guests. We
then visit a tea estate for a relaxed afternoon and a traditional Assamese lunch
with the Tea-estate family who have been involved in the tea business for over a
century. Return to MV Mahabaahu by sunset and enjoy a relaxed evening in the
Soma lounge before dinner.

Day 9: Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Majuli Island & Mishing Village
Start the day with Yoga or go for a walk along the swamps to catch a sight of
owls, orioles, changeable eagles, adjutant storks, sea gulls, kingfishers, swallows
and many more. As you have your breakfast MV Mahabaahu sails towards Majuli
Island, which literally means land between two rivers, the Subansiri and the Brahmaputra. Majuli is a cosmos of Assamese culture where various philosophies
co-exist and thrive. Enjoy a talk on ‘Majuli’, the seat of Vaishnav culture and proceed
in tenders to the mainland where a drive takes you to a scenic corner of a Satra
for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. Next drive
to Kamlabari Satra to witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of
cymbals, drums and chanting in the temple premise. We have lunch on board and
sail towards the closest Mishing Village. The Mishing’s live on the bank of river in
‘Chang ghars’, houses with raised platform. All Mishing women are expert weavers
and we will see a demonstration. After the visit to Mishing Village, MV Mahabaahu
heads towards Dhansiri Mukh where the waters of Bhramaputra and Dhansiri meet
and enjoy an evening under the stars on a deserted island for dinner.

Day 10: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Boat Safari
You may choose to do some Yoga or take an early morning walk on a deserted
island before we sail towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga for a boat Safari.
We enjoy breakfast and a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists
alongside’. Later we leave for our safari by tender for approximately two hours.
You can see roof turtles on protruding drift wood, water lizards, otters, elephants,
wild buffaloes, rhinos, darters, herons, pied kingfishers, white throated kingfishers,
serpent eagles and many more. Return to MV Mahabaahu for lunch. This evening
we enjoy the Chef’s Cooking Demonstration followed by a talk on ‘Tea, Silk and
Jute in Assam’.

Day 11: Thursday, December 5, 2019 Bishwanath Ghat & Silghat
Enjoy breakfast on-board followed by an interesting talk on ‘Kaziranga and the
wildlife in India’. Then we board our tenders to go to the shores of Bishwanath
Ghat. We enjoy a walk through the village and see how this suburban village
thrives. Later, sail on for the next couple of hours and have a relaxed lunch before
we reach Silghat. We take a short drive to the Kaliabore tea estate, which is a vast
expanse of undulating land with tea bushes, watching the tribal women pick tea
leaves. Visit the tea factory to see the process of producing Assam Tea and ‘all that
goes into preparing a cup-of-tea.’ We return to where the ship is anchored. Close
by a co-operative Jute Mill is an interesting place to understand how the Jute fibre
takes the form of very eco-friendly gunny bags. By sunset, we enjoy a cultural
evening on the ship.

Day 12: Friday, December 6, 2019 Kaziranga National Park
& Deserted Island
We have an early start today as we drive out to Kaziranga National Park. The most
prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but
the Park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants,
tiger, deer, Asiatic wild buffalo and a rich variety of birds. We reach the Kohora
Mihimukh range of the National Park; on elephant-back we search for the elusive rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and a large number of very interesting
birds. After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we drive on to Bagori, the
Western Range of Kaziranga and drive in open jeeps for more wildlife adventure
and further exploration of this magnificent park. We return to MV Mahabaahu
for a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon. This evening we get together for a
traditional Assamese-theme dinner.

Day 13: Saturday, December 7, 2019 Peacock Island
This morning we lift anchor and head towards an island that is occupied
predominantly by a Muslim community who are involved in extensive farming.
Enjoy a talk on ‘Kamakhya and the Occult and Peacock Island’ we then visit
a village and gain an insight on village life. We return to the ship for lunch and
sail towards the Peacock Island that is home to some Golden Langurs. After the
Peacock Island visit, we sail towards Pandu Port and anchor at a jetty. We get
ready for the Farewell Dinner ‘Alvida Bhoj’ and a relaxed evening.

Day 14: Sunday, December 8, 2019 Guwahati – Kolkata
This morning we drive to the Kamakhya Temple. A Hindu Temple devoted to the
mother Goddess Kamakhya. From the temple we are transferred to Guwahati
airport for our flight home to Australia via Kolkata.

Day 15: Monday, December 9, 2019 Arrive Australia
Today we arrive in Australia and the tour concludes.

OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE TOUR

Kerala Backwater Cruise

Day 1: Sunday, December 8, 2019 Arrive Chennai
After picking up our luggage, we will be met by our representative and transferred
to our hotel the ITC Grand Chola. Situated in the heart of Chennai, overlooking the
city’s lush parks and gardens the hotel pays homage to Southern India’s grand
empires.

Day 2: Monday, December 9, 2019 Chennai/Mahabalipuram
This morning we depart for a guided tour around Fort St. George which was built
by the British East India Company and also houses a small quaint museum known
as the Fort Museum. Later we drive to Mahabalipuram and check-in to the Radisson
Temple Bay, steps from the Bay of Bengal and spanning across 44 acres of lush
landscaped gardens.

Day 3: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Mahabalipuram
– Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
We embark on a half-day excursion to Kanchipuram, also known as the, ‘City of a
thousand temples. The most famous of these are the Ekambeshwara temple and
the Varaderajaswamy temple. We then drive back to Mahabalipuram to explore
its five ‘Pagodas,’ or chariots. We will visit the photogenic and windswept Shore
Temple, dramatically perched near a promontory overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
We can see the aforementioned Panch Rathas (Five Stone Chariots), at the southern
end of town. The rathas, which date to the 7th century, are extraordinary examples
of rock shrines made from monolithic stone. In the centre of Mahabalipuram is the
main cluster of temples and rock sculptures. Life size stone statues of an elephant,
bull and a lion guard these delicately sculptured temples. Depictions of scenes
from Indian mythology carved out of stone cover the temples. One of the most
elaborate is the Bhagirathi’s Penance, which despite its mammoth proportions, is
intricately carved.

Day 4: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Mahabalipuram
– Pondicherry
This morning we drive to Pondicherry. The French relinquished control of their
former colony just 50 years ago and “Pondy” (as it’s locally known) still bears its
European heritage. The local cuisine has a distinctive French influence, as does
the architecture of homes, boulevards and city buildings. Often referred to as
‘a little piece of Medieval France in India’ and ‘a sleepy provincial French town’,
Pondicherry has managed to retain its French aura.

Day 5: Thursday, December 12, 2019 Pondicherry – Thanjavur
Today we drive to Thanjavur. En route we visit the temples at Chidambaram and
Darasuram. On arrival in Tanjore we check in to our hotel.

Day 6: Friday, December 13, 2019 Thanjavur – Madurai
After breakfast, we check out and visit the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple
the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. The vimana, or tower, over the
temple sanctuary soars to a height in excess of 261 metres, and is adorned with
several exquisite pieces of Chola sculpture. The temple sits in the middle of a
spacious courtyard, faced by a massive 6 metre-long sculpture of Shiva’s vahana
(vehicle), the great bull Nandi, carved from a single piece of granite. We then visit
Tanjore’s second great historical site, the Royal Palace complex, with its impressive
observation tower. The Nayakas, who ruled this area in the 16th and 17th centuries,
constructed the palace. Aside from the historical significance of the palace itself,
the complex also houses several important museums and libraries. Later we leave
for Madurai. Late evening, those interested can visit the night ceremony at the
great Meenakshi temple.

Day 7: Saturday, December 14, 2019 Madurai
This morning we depart for a sightseeing tour of the Meenakshi temple and
Tirumalai Nayak Palace. The Meenakshi temple of Madurai is estimated to receive
10,000 pilgrims every day. A baroque example of Dravidian architecture with
twelve gopuras (towers), ranging in height from 40 to 50 metres, the towers are
covered from top to bottom in a breath-taking profusion of multicolour images
of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. Every point in the temple has
a legend attached to it. While exploring the temple, visit the ‘Hall of a Thousand
Pillars’, with its fascinating study of human expression carved on the pillars, the
walls and the ceiling. Just outside you will find the ‘musical pillars’, each emitting a
different musical note when struck. Explore the Kambatti Mundapum containing
pillars sculptured with various manifestations of Lord Shiva. The Meenakshi
Temple is arguably the preeminent example of South Indian temple architecture,
and is also one of India’s most important places of pilgrimage. Later explore the
colourful markets of Madurai.

Day 8: Sunday, December 15, 2019 Madurai/Thekkady
This morning we drive to Thekkady. Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds
through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. On arrival we
check in to our hotel. A pleasant boat ride is a perfect way of observing the
wildlife in their natural habitat (subject to water level) or a guided Nature Walk.

Day 9: Monday, December 16, 2019 Thekkady – Thottappally
(Backwaters)
Today we visit a spice plantation before departing for the backwaters. In the
afternoon we board our private houseboat, an environmentally-friendly vessel
unique to Kerala’s placid waterways. Prior to their conversion to passenger boats
with all the modern comforts, these traditional craft known as kettuvallom
once plied these waters as rice barges. Coir (coconut fiber rope) and resin from
cashew kernels, not nails, hold the kettuvallom together – a ship making practice
passed down through the centuries. The uniqueness of Kerala has always been
its backwaters, and it has a mesmerizing beauty. On this comfortable floating
home, you may spend your day relaxing and unwinding. As you slowly cruise
along the backwater canals of the Arabian Sea, you may choose to stop and
explore some of the many small villages, farmlands, old temples and churches
that you come across.
rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer and hog deer and a large number of very interesting
birds. After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we drive on to Bagori, the
Western Range of Kaziranga and drive in open jeeps for more wildlife adventure
and further exploration of this magnificent park. We return to MV Mahabaahu
for a leisurely lunch and a relaxed afternoon. This evening we get together for a
traditional Assamese-theme dinner.

Day 10: Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Backwaters (Houseboat)
Today, we see Indian life up close as we slowly cruise along the palm-fringed
backwater canals, a distinctive region whose beauty and tranquillity have earned
it the title “God’s own country.” Along the way we go ashore to visit some of the
local villages and farms, observing traditional livelihoods such as coir making,
boat building, fish farming, rice growing and toddy tapping – the extraction of
palm sap for production of palm wine, or toddy. We also see churches in a land
synonymous with the very beginnings of Christianity.

Day 11: Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Backwaters (Houseboat)
– Kochi
After breakfast, we cruise to Thottappalli and disembark. On arrival in Kochi we
check-in to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. In the evening, we
attend a performance of Kathakali dance, where facial expressions and hand
gestures combine with movement to create this highly expressive traditional
Kerala art form which depicts great Indian epics. Distinct among the six classical
Indian dances, Kathakali is a highly dramatic dance depicting various stories, it
originated in Kerala during the 17th century and has developed over the years
with refined gestures and added themes.

Day 12: Thursday, December 19, 2019 Cochin
Today we enjoy a tour of Kochi. Fort Cochin, our first stop, where the Portuguese
flag was first hoisted is also believed to be the oldest settlement in India. After,
visit the St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da
Gama. The gorgeous view of the ocean from the beach enhanced by the Chinese
fishing nets, first erected between 1350 and 1450AD, makes a picturesque sight
followed by a visit to the Jewish Synagogue. Depart for the Dutch Palace, which
contains mythological murals and traditional Keralite flooring. Finally, we have a
traditional cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family.

Day 13: Friday, December 20, 2019 Depart Cochin
Your room will be available for use until 12 noon before transferring to the airport
to board our onward flight to Australia.

All excursions/lectures/performances and activities
as per the itinerary

Transport by Air-Conditioned vehicles

Lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary

Economy-class flights from Guwahati to Chennai

Not included:

Travel insurance

Additional travel arrangements not detailed in the
itinerary will be quoted for separately

Passport and visa fees

Porterage and tips

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817
078) is the tour organiser. All passengers must complete and sign a
Travelrite International booking form.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A deposit of $900 per passenger should be
sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists
your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed,
(usually within 24 hours), a confirmation advice will be posted to the
client. The confirmation advice will contain all details. Final payments
are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the
commencement of the fly/cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be
added to payments by Visa, Mastercard and AMEX card.

CANCELLATION CHARGES:

Days prior to Departure

Cancellation Fee

Over 90 days

Loss of deposit

90 - 61 days

75% of full fare

60 days or less

100% of full fare

Non appearance/no written notice

100% of full fare

REFUNDS:
The fly/cruise is based on arrangements which do not
allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation,
meals or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport
with six-month validity. If not an Australian passport holder check
with Travelrite International for visa requirements.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen
events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result
from events such as illness, accident, death etc.

BAGGAGE:
Passengers qualify for 15kg’s free baggage allowance
due to internal flights within India. A cabin baggage limit of 7kg’s is
allowed.

MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS:
The fly/cruise arrangements have been
made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling.
In the event that less than the required number of passengers have
confirmed their booking 91 days from the date of departure, Travelrite
International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund
of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a
modified fare.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour
organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates,
and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these
fly/cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels,
transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any
other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury,
damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an
act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company
or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of
God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay
due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down,
quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes
beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional
expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government
authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The
passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall
constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers
of this fly/cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to
withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as
may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties
and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruise. This contract shall be
construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia
and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.

HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking
form and sending it with a deposit of $900 per person to:

ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel
company which has been marketing throughout Australia
for over 30 years and operating in Victoria for more than 35
years. It has two offices at Balwyn and Heathmont which are
also accredited with IATA and ATAS (No.A10538). As such they
directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major
domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian
Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.